FOR IMMEDIATE REALEASE
Vicki Gonzalez
TABU Social Club
1115 N. Rolling Rd.
Catonsville, Md. 21228
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It's Time to Give Back
BALTIMORE, MD. March 11, 2009-

What: NCSF 2009 Fundraiser, Auction & Live Demonstrations

Who: All who practice forms of alternative sexual expression and those who support us.

When: Friday April 3, 2009 (8:00pm to 2:00am)

Where: TABU Social Club in Catonsville, Md. 21228

We have answered Who, What, Where and When and now it is time to answer Why?

The short answer is because we strongly believe in supporting those who support us and to do our part to further the mission of NCSF (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom) (www.ncsfreedom.org)

NCSF Mission: The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM- leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression.

“We opened TABU Social Club to create an environment where people who practice forms of alternative sexual expression could congregate with other like-minded, consenting adults without fear of being judged or ostracized, a safe haven of sorts,” said Rick Gonzalez, co-owner of TABU Social Club, with his wife Vicki and active member of the swinging community.

(more commonly referred to as the Lifestyle First came erroneous complaints filed with the Fire department, Police department, Compliance Division of Planning and Zoning add in a County Councilperson, 3 television stations, 3 radio stations and 3 newspapers all by a civic association who didn’t like the thought of our existence and what do you get?)

Frustrated, angry and ready to throw in the towel. Just then, almost like a scene from a super hero comic book, came NCSF (National Coalition for Sexual Freedom) offering their assistance in any way possible. Finally there was a ray of hope. When fighting a battle alone, no matter how right the cause, you can be worn down. When surrounded by people who believe in and support that cause you become stronger and much more willing to continue the fight.

Such was the case with TABU Social Club and NCSF. Widely recognized as the fastest growing “Lifestyle” club in the country, (boasting over 9000 member couples and single females), thanks in no small part to the guidance and assistance of NCSF, TABU is thriving. TABU Social Club, now a proud “Coalition Partner” of NCSF, with the assistance of Nina, owner of the “Power Exchange” (www.powerxchangebynina.com) in Baltimore, as well as many other volunteers, will be putting on a fundraiser on Friday April 3rd, 2009 with 100% of the proceeds being donated to furthering the mission of NCSF. There will be music, dancing, light snack foods, door prizes, silent & live auctions for various goods and services and best of all Live Demonstrations to give you a small taste of some of the various “Lifestyles” that NCSF works tirelessly to support.

This event is open to those 21 and over who practice forms of alternative sexual expression and to those who support our right to do so. The cost for the event is $20 per person with 100% of the proceeds being donated to NCSF. This is a BYOB event, so should you choose to drink alcohol, you must bring it yourself. We are also actively seeking volunteers to assist with various aspects of the event.

As simple as setup and breakdown to providing demonstrations in an area that you have some expertise to being a roving ambassador to all who attend, we can use your help. Further, we are seeking donations of goods and services to be used as door prizes as well as live and silent auction items. For more information regarding this event or to register please visit http://tabulife.com/ncsf_2009.html

If you would like to volunteer your time or donate any goods or services please contact Vicki Gonzalez (
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) Whether you know who NCSF is or not, you can breathe a little easier knowing that such a wonderful, committed organization exists to protect and support your freedom and right to express yourself. It is time to give back to an organization that gives so much. We hope to see you there. Donations are also being taken directly at : http://tabulife.com/ncsf_registration.html

Over the past year, Susan gave five media trainings including one for the board of a national event, and one at the annual CP meeting for CP reps and Atlanta community members. Four groups requested her services as spoksperson for their event, and she reviewed their Web sites for media "triggers".

In total, Susan received 85 requests in all via email and phone calls. These numbers are about the same as last year's, except for a drop in the number of inquiries:

33 Interviews

30 Incident Response Requests

22 Inquiries

33 Interviews Among others, Susan gave interviews to reporters with the following publications: Bay Area Reporter, Star Ledger, ABC News, WABC Radio, Globe & Mail, Portfolio Magazine, 1010 Wins, and The Colbert Report. A few examples:

Interview with Jeff Bercovici of Portfolio Magazine regarding the NY Post's sensationalized coverage of the Canadian man who went into a coma at the Nutcracker in New York.

Interview with Curtis Sliwa on WABC Radio about the Star Ledger article.

X-Biz reporters continue to contact NCSF about a variety of issues, helping to feature BDSM and swing issues in adult entertainment coverage.

Several interviews were also given to Judy Dutton who is writing a book for Random House.

30 Incident Response Requests The biggest media incident of the year involved the wide-spread national media attacks on Folsom Street Fair orchestrated by religious political extremist groups who denounced Miller for sponsoring the Fair. NCSF broadcast an Action Alert to help. Miller remains a sponsor of the fair.

On a more local level, recently the BerkMontNews ran an article quoting the borough president who outed and denounced the private Kissabal parties for swingers at the American House Hotel (these parties don't include any sexual activities). Susan was quoted in the BerkMontNews follow-up article questioning the validity of an elected official trying to stop adults from meeting together at a bar. The mayor stated that the town needed to attract business, not run it off. The borough president resigned the next week amid the controversy. The Kissabal parties continue on as planned. A few other examples:

Community Boardmember Goldman attacked the NY Leather Weekend, claiming the NY Leather Weekend streetfair doesn't belong in the West Village.

A man lost his church music job because he was photographed with a man on a leash at the Gay Pride Parade.

A nonprofit BDSM club was seeking media help while obtaining an adult entertainment license.

A club needed help writing letters to local officials regarding city health code and sex regulations.

The Cherry Pit, a swing club in Duncanville, Texas, that is now operating as a not-for-profit in a residential neighborhood consulted with both Susan and Legal Director John.

Guy Baldwin was attacked by religious political extremist groups when he was given a leather leadership award by NGLTF's Creating Change.

A hotel tried to break a contract with a fetish conference. With NCSF's help, the event went off as planned.

In three separate incidents caused by dangerous insiders, community members who feared being outed to the media requested help.

21 Inquiries Reuters Insight Community Experts contacted Susan to join as a sexuality expert, and after submitting her credentials and application, Reuters is now referring her as an expert. The Hawaii Health Department requested statistics of BDSM practitioners. Plus there was an inquiry about how to go about removing Sexual Sadism, Sexual Masochism, and Fetishism from the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistic Manual IV-TR.

NCSF Actions Alerts Two Action Alerts were broadcast over the past year: NCSF urged community members to write to the Task Force and thank them for recognizing Guy Baldwin with their Leather Leadership Award at Creating Change. NCSF also called for letters of support for Folsom Street Fair to be sent to Miller Brewing thanking them for being a sponsor of the Fair. Miller remains a sponsor of the Fair for this year.

Press Releases

A total of eight press releases were also broadcast over the past year which included much more detailed information about what NCSF does for the community:

Coalition Partners Celebrate a Year of Success at NCSF's Annual Meeting

NCSF Welcomes New Executive Director

NCSF's Education Outreach Program (EOP) welcomes a new Coordinator

Nominate ITCR: The Foundation of NCSF for ALT.com's Charity Giveaway!

NCSF 10th Anniversary pins now for sale!

Volunteer for NCSF!

Stand Up and Be Counted! Participate in the Survey of Violence & Discrimination Against Sexual Minorities

NCSF is here to help you - the SM, swing and polyamory communities. If you have a problem with the media because of your sexual expression, please call NCSF for assistance. You can visit our Web site on www.ncsfreedom.org or call our media hotline at 917-848-6544.

Please support NCSF in our effort to change the political, legal, and social environment in the United States. We are committed to making a difference. Join NCSF as a member or please hold a fund raiser and donate to NCSF!

February 13, 2008 - The American Family News Network posted an inflammatory article condemning the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force for honoring Guy Baldwin with their Leather Leadership Award at the 20th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, on February 6-10, 2008 (www.thetaskforce.org).

According to the February 7th article:Peter LaBarbera, executive director of Americans for Truth commented that he is not sure if he is more surprised by one of the sponsors of the event or by one of the activists who will be honored. "It's incredible to me," he continues. "But the Democratic Party is endorsing an event where they're actually presenting an award for sadomasochism."

A sponsorship acknowledgement notes that the Democratic National Committee gave at least $2,500 to help pay for the event. The recipient of the "Leather Leadership Award" is Guy Baldwin, a psychotherapist who has successfully lobbied against treating sadomasochism as a mental health problem.

To see the entire article, go to: http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?
id=66629

In point of fact, the Democratic National Committee did not sponsor Creating Change or the Leather Leadership Award.

The Task Force does have a strong history of supporting the BDSM-leather-fetish communities. In previous years, this included awarding their Leather Leadership Award to Dave Rhodes of The Leather Journal and Tony DeBlase, creator of the Leather Pride Flag, as well as providing tracks and roundtables for activists dedicated to leather community issues.

"Those who persecute our communities know that The Task Force and the BDSM-leather-fetish communities have shared agendas in promoting tolerance and non-discrimination for sexual minorities, including those involved in alternate lifestyles. We grow stronger the more we stand together," says NCSF Spokesperson Susan Wright.

From Guy Balwin's acceptance speech for the Leather Leadership Award at Creating
Change:

"One of the many reasons it is important for The Task Force to be sending these signals of acknowledgement and legitimacy out to the LGBTIQQ world is that when our enemies in the struggle for self-determination look in our direction, they can't see the amazing diversity represented in a room like this one. No, to our enemies, we all look the same. They make none of the distinctions that we, ourselves, have made. To our enemies, garbage is garbage, no matter what color we are.....how old we are.....how we smell, or how we play. And that's just one reason it's important that we build bridges between our diverse communities and that's why this award to me today matters to all our communities. But the effort to build these bridges will be
wasted unless they are vigilantly maintained from both sides." b Guy Baldwin

We ask you to send a short note of appreciation to the Task Force:

Roberta Sklar, Communications Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
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Dear Ms. Sklar,

Thank you for your recognition and inclusion of the BDSM-leather-fetish communities in your annual conference, Creating Change. The Leather Caucus and workshops on alternative sexuality have been very important to the LGBT members of our communities, providing a place where we can gather with our peers and discuss activist issues.

I congratulate you on choosing to give your Leather Leadership Award this year to Guy Baldwin for his activist efforts on behalf of the leather community. I proudly support The Task Force and am glad to join together on our common and shared goals of equality for all Americans.

Sincerely,
(your name)

###

Guy Baldwin is a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist, author and activist on behalf of "erotically uncommon people." Baldwin may be best known for his monthly essays which appeared in Drummer Magazine and were collected in his 1993 book, Ties That Bind. Baldwin is a former titleholder, having served in 1989 as Mister National Leather Association and also as the 11th International Mr. Leather. In 1987, Baldwin launched the DSM Project to mobilize mental health professionals worldwide to press for changes to the official clinical definitions that had long been used to label leather people, gay and otherwise, as pathological. The DSM Project succeeded with the publication of new and substantially improved language in 1993 in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom is a national organization committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression. NCSF is primarily focused on the rights of consenting adults in the SM-leather-fetish, swing, and polyamory communities, who often face discrimination because of their sexual expression.

National Coalition for Sexual Freedom
822 Guilford Avenue, Box 127
Baltimore, MD 21202-3707
410-539-4824
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www.ncsfreedom.org